"Why should we change?" This book is written for the vast majority of congregations who are cautious, tentative, and ambivalent to change and creative initiatives for mission. The vast majority will find a calm, reasonable explanation for why their stability is shakier than ever. Their belief in their seeming congregational health hides a growing self-destructive addiction.

In answer to the question, "Why should we change?" Tom Bandy replies, "As a consultant and speaker, I see incredibly daring and creative congregational initiatives for mission, and I also encounter many dying churches unwilling to change at all. The vast majority of congregations, however, are something in-between: cautious, tentative, and ambivalent. Many small, medium, and even large traditional churches enjoy a degree of stability and reasonable health."

He continues, "In these churches, there are three kinds of people. About 20% are restless and convinced that there is a higher calling and a better way to be the church. About 65% are cautious, unimaginative, not-particularly-knowledgeable, but generally healthy Christians. They are torn between a genuine desire to be faithful, and anxiety about risk. The remaining 15% are dysfunctional controllers for whom no amount of coaching or education will be of help. Somehow the 20% have got to nurture and motivate the 65% to have the courage and vision to challenge the 15% and set the church on a new path." He concludes, "This book is written for the 65%. . . or for the 20% to use in educating the 65%."